Landscape with Ruin c. 1870

Felix Thiollier captured “Landscape with Ruin” in the late 19th century using the photogravure process. As industrialization swept through Europe, Thiollier, a member of the French upper class, turned his lens towards the crumbling structures of the Loire valley. This image complicates the traditional landscape genre. Rather than presenting an untouched pastoral scene, Thiollier focuses on the intersection of nature and the remnants of human endeavors. These ruins weren't just stone and mortar; they were evidence of past labor and power structures. The stark contrast between the enduring landscape and the decaying architecture raises questions about permanence, value, and the impact of social change. Thiollier, through his artistic choice, encourages us to contemplate the narratives embedded within these spaces and their reflection on society.